Shorn or Unshorn?
August 28th 2007 23:59
So which is the better look, the alpaca in full fleece or the just shorn one? Some people love the alpaca with tons of fleece on, all big and woolly. They think alpacas look weird when shorn. Others think the shorn look is just the cutest thing. Some people think alpacas are just plain ugly regardless (had a look in the mirror lately – hmmm?).
Personally, when it comes to fully fleeced alpacas, I think it depends on the individual alpaca and their fleece qualities. Young alpacas generally all look superb in full fleece while the older ones – not so good. Alpacas with uneven fleece, not much down the legs and all that hairy stuff around their chests look pretty ordinary in full fleece, so much better shorn, while the ones with tons of dense, even fleece all over look simply stunning.
I think all alpacas look fabulous when they’re just shorn (as long as the shearer did a good job that is). When they’re shorn they are neat and compact and you can see their real shape. On the darker coloured alpacas especially, the clear cut silhouette shows off those long legs and neck and unlike sheep which I think are a pretty strange shaped animal when shorn, the alpaca has a more sculptured, carefully designed look.
An alpaca can be carrying 5-6 kg of fleece, so after shearing they are immediately that much lighter. We usually lay the alpacas down to shear them. When they’re allowed to go, they jump up and with those long legs and neck suddenly free of that extra weight appear to float about like a string puppet, all light and springy.
It’s hard to know what they must be thinking at this point. While they are obviously relieved to be away from the people with the noisy shears, they always have a puzzled about them when they are suddenly so much lighter.
Some do the crazy alpaca thing, kicking up their legs and bouncing around the paddock which is pretty funny to watch. Others just stand about looking bewildered and taking stock of what has happened. It isn’t very long though before they come back down to earth and you find them all out eating grass again.
Personally, when it comes to fully fleeced alpacas, I think it depends on the individual alpaca and their fleece qualities. Young alpacas generally all look superb in full fleece while the older ones – not so good. Alpacas with uneven fleece, not much down the legs and all that hairy stuff around their chests look pretty ordinary in full fleece, so much better shorn, while the ones with tons of dense, even fleece all over look simply stunning.
Alpaca in full fleece
I think all alpacas look fabulous when they’re just shorn (as long as the shearer did a good job that is). When they’re shorn they are neat and compact and you can see their real shape. On the darker coloured alpacas especially, the clear cut silhouette shows off those long legs and neck and unlike sheep which I think are a pretty strange shaped animal when shorn, the alpaca has a more sculptured, carefully designed look.
An alpaca can be carrying 5-6 kg of fleece, so after shearing they are immediately that much lighter. We usually lay the alpacas down to shear them. When they’re allowed to go, they jump up and with those long legs and neck suddenly free of that extra weight appear to float about like a string puppet, all light and springy.
It’s hard to know what they must be thinking at this point. While they are obviously relieved to be away from the people with the noisy shears, they always have a puzzled about them when they are suddenly so much lighter.
Some do the crazy alpaca thing, kicking up their legs and bouncing around the paddock which is pretty funny to watch. Others just stand about looking bewildered and taking stock of what has happened. It isn’t very long though before they come back down to earth and you find them all out eating grass again.
Same alpaca, recently shorn
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Comment by Louie
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
You gave us a wonderful description of their gambollling antics , I really felt the movements, dancing, I guess.
Animals are smart, much smarter than we realize and certainly seem to have their lives together more. Of course none of them [other than us] are going to design a bridge but as the old bard said, 'there are more things on heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy'
Great to see you, I've been wondering where you've been.
katyzzz
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
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Esoteric Bookshop
I like both/either... what about clipped like poodles (not that I like poodles), but I do like Alpacas, alot
Lilla ...